Subtle ergonomic touches should improve the overall driving experience too, like how the designers chose to cant the main power window switches on the door panel to face the driver. Large rotating temperature controls are also within easy reach, and look to be relatively simple to operate. Overall, like the 7, the 5 is pleasantly devoid of clutter, all the secondary controls being available via the iDrive system.
The new model is also much more accommodating than last year's 5 Series. The front seats look similar to those from the 7, beyond superb with their 'first class' jet liner style adjustable headrest bolsters, while rear leg, shoulder and headroom has grown considerably. The trunk can hold more cargo too.
And what about outward appearances? While there will always be some who squawk at change, most BMW loyalists will appreciate the new car's design. Its slightly modified twin kidney grille transcends another generation more or less intact, capping the sculpted hood lines that fall forward toward the lower fascia conceptually mirroring Ralf Schumacher and Juan Pablo Montoya's FW25 Formula 1 car.
The headlights are radically new, but while their freeform contours are artistically modern each is gracefully integrated into the entire front end design, a cohesive bit of styling. While the wheel arches and strong shoulder lines are sharply creased, the overall shape is softer than either the 7 or Z4, easier for most to accept at first sight.